Why you should add a library to your itinerary

In the modern world today, you might not think to add a visit to a library to your travel list. However, this might be one of the best ideas for travel activities. Some of the libraries out there are simply exquisite, and if you don’t visit, you’ll never know… Most of them are also excellent photo opportunities just waiting for you and your camera to discover:

(Whisper: Oh and most of them have free entrance – so that makes for a free travel activity to enjoy – and it’s family-friendly… Need we say more?)

Discover a magical world full of wonder and knowledge, but also beauty.

The power of imagination: Libraries have the power to spark the imagination and creativity of their visitors.
The sense of adventure: When you enter a library, it’s like embarking on a journey of discovery. You never know what you might find.
The tranquility: Despite the hustle and bustle of life outside, the library offers a sense of tranquility and peace. It is a place where one can escape the noise of the world.
Beauty: Often these places are architectural masterpieces. Fabulous designs that stood the test of time or innovative and inspiring new creations that lead to you grabbing your camera…

Here are a few must-visit libraries from around the world:

Starting with Paris in France:

The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (National Library) /François-Mitterrand Library (Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand) – Huge beautiful glass window ceilings.
Mazarine Library (Bibliothèque Mazarine) – Very Luxurious inside
Sainte-Geneviève Library
Sarbonne University Library (Bibliothèque interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne)
Senat Library (Bibliothèque du Sénat) – Beautiful ceilings.

Also discover travel destinations like:

Montmartre and Disneyland in Paris

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Stuttgart, Germany: Stuttgart City Library (Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart)

If you love an “all white on white” clean look in décor, this is for you. Again a person with a fear of heights might not appreciate its interior. I will never be able to explore the whole library, but it is impressive: All 8 floors.

Location: Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany

Architect: Eun Young Yi

Vienna Austria: The Austrian National Library

Founded in 1368, this is the largest library in Austria and it is situated in the center of Vienna. The baroque architecture is simply stunning and a visit to the baroque state hall is a must. Undoubtedly the library is one of the most beautiful historic libraries in the world and quite busy.

Location: Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

Architect: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach

Austria: Admont Abbey Library

This library is breathtakingly beautiful from the floor to the ceiling. Done in a late baroque style, this is definitely also one of my favorites. Above all, they are also the world’s largest Monastery Library. You will not regret visiting this unique library as it is more than worth a visit. You can click on the photo below to go to their website and have a “digital tour”.

Location: Kirchplatz 1, 8911 Admont, Austria

Architect: Joseph Hueber

Poland: University of Warsaw Library

This award-winning building is something to see. Total surface: 60 000 m 2 Library’s surface: 40 000 m 2 There are 1000 seats for readers. The combination of raw concrete, green glass and lush vegetation growing on the facade of the library make for one stunning building. The biggest attraction here certainly is the impressive roof garden, one of the largest and most beautiful of its kind in Europe.

Location: ul. Dobra 56/66 Warsaw

Architect: Marek Budzyński, Zbigniew Badowski

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Switzerland: Abbey Library of Saint Gall

The library was designed by Peter Thumb, who also designed the Cathedral of St Gallen.

Location: Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland

Architect: Peter Thumb

Prague: Strahov Monastery Library

It was built in 1679. Again here the ceiling art is very impressive and draws your attention to keep it there. Very lavish inside and I do suggest you take a guided tour.

Location: A 2-min walk from the Strahov Monastery / Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia

Architectural style: Baroque architecture, Romanesque architecture, Renaissance architecture

Spain: Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

This very impressive Royal library is located within the monastery and palace complex in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, just outside of Madrid. It is a Unesco World Heritage site. The ceilings of this library are one huge art gallery. I am not sure if I will ever get to the books, as one just stands there amazed by the artwork. The Library and Palace are easily reached by public transport. However it is a good 30-minute walk from the station in El Escorial, so wear comfortable shoes. It is worth it as you can visit both the monastery and the palace as a tourist.

Location: 4 Calle Grimaldi, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

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Marbella, Seville, Alicante, San Sebastian and Cudillero

Baltimore, USA: George Peabody Library

This library is situated at The Johns Hopkins University and is an example of baroque and roman architecture. In my opinion, the most fantastic thing is that this library is actually used for weddings. It is during these wedding functions that the library comes to life. I think it is beautiful, romantic and unique.

Located: 17 E Mt Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States

Architect: Edmund George Lind

China: Tianjin Binhai Library

This is super scary to anyone with a fear of heights, but it is beautifully modern. Although there are books literally from the floor to the ceiling and then more, lots of these books are only “book-spine-prints”. Creating the illusion that it is fully stocked.

The library is nicknamed “The Eye” due to its shape, and is part of the Binhai Cultural Center.

Location: China, Tianjin, Binhai, 旭升路347號

Dublin, Ireland: Trinity College Library

The library has more than one building. You are greeted by dark wood when entering the old library with its impressive 200-foot long room. I love this room. It took 20 years to complete the construction which dates back to 1712, and it is more than impressive. Also housed here is the Brian Boru harp, one of the 3 remaining medieval Gaelic harps. If you love the idea of a space filled with books and ladders on wheels as well as the smell of paper, you will love this library.

Location: Trinity College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Venice, Italy: Biblioteco Marciana

Located on St Mark’s Square in Venice you might have seen many photos, without realizing it is the library. With its stunning Renaissance architecture, it simply fits in with the beauty of Venice. So while you are there have a visit.

Location: Piazza San Marco, 7, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Architects: Jacopo Sansovino, Vincenzo Scamozzi

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Manchester, UK: John Rylands Library

The library could be the same as in the Harry Potter movie. Neo-Gothic architecture, exquisite detail, huge stained glass windows, and small reading alcoves, gives a sense of peace when you enter the building.

Location: 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH, United Kingdom